Types of Entries

Competition Levels

Performance

Dancers who take a total of LESS THAN THREE HOURS of combined dance and/or acrobatics lessons per week.

Please note that it is not mandatory to enter the Performance level if you take three hours or less. You may also enter Advanced or Competitive level. However, if a Duet/Trio or Group has one or more dancer(s) taking more than three hours of dance/acrobatics per week, it must enter a higher level.

Advanced

Dancers on the rise between Performance and Competitive.

Advanced includes dancers taking THREE TO FIVE HOURS of dance and/or acrobatics per week with limited competition experience, and not yet ready to compete at the highest
level.

If a dancer competes in the Advanced Level as a soloist they must remain in the Advanced Level for all solos. The dancer cannot move down and perform in any Performance Level routines. However, the same dancer can move up and perform in a Competitive level duet, trio and group.

If a Duet/Trio or Group has one or more dancers taking over five hours of dance/acrobatics per week, it must enter the Competitive Level.

Competitive

The highest and most competitive level of dancers.

Competitive includes:

All dancers taking OVER FIVE HOURS OR MORE of dance and/or acrobatics per week,

Performance level dancers that wish to compete at the competit ive level, and

Advanced level dancers that wish to compete at the competitive level.

Any entries wishing to compete for Cash Awards, the highest Overall Honors, the Crystal Award and the WebTV Show at Finals, must compete in the Competitive Level.

Dancers competing in the Competitive level as a solo must remain in the Competitive Level for all other solo, duet/trio, and group routines performed at that competition.

Teachers must use their own sound judgment when determining the number of hours of practice per dancer and in which level contestants should be placed. Routines that are obviously under-placed may be elevated by the judges.

Overall recognition and medals will be given in the following five age divisions:

Mini: 8 years & under

Junior: 9-11 years

Teen: 12-14 years

Senior: 15-19 years

Adult: 20 years and over

Duet/Trio and Group entries cannot compete in an age division more than one age division younger than the oldest dancer’s age as of January 1, 2016, regardless of the average age.

For example, an 18 year-old (senior) dancing in a group with an average age of 10 (junior) would be moved into the teen category (one age division younger than senior). In this example, because the average age is 10, the group would be placed into the lowest age group in that division. Here, that would be age 12.

Category Point Deductions

The ballet and pointe dance categories can contain no gymnastic/acrobatic tricks. A onehalf
(.5) point deduction per judge will be made for any gymnastic/acrobatic tricks in these
categories. Tricks not allowed are movements that pass through or stop at a fully inverted
(upside down) position with both feet off the floor (the torso passing or stopping directly
over the top of ones head/shoulders). The only exceptions to this are forward, backward
and shoulder rolls, and acrobatic tricks in lifts (a lift being defined as being supported by
another dancer with any body part).

The following dance categories can contain no more than three gymnastic/acrobatic
tricks, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical Jazz, and Clogging. A one-half (.5) point deduction per judge will
be made for any gymnastic/acrobatic tricks in these categories over three. A gymnastic
pass will be counted as the number of tricks in the pass.

If dance movements, music lyrics, or costuming are deemed to be too suggestive or
otherwise inappropriate for our family audience, or if the music contains vulgar or
inappropriate lyrics, the routine will be scored lower by the judges.

The majority of an acrobatic routine must be acrobatic moves, otherwise, the routine will
be scored lower by the judges. Acrobatic Dance may contain flexibility moves or
contortionist moves, however, it must contain dance moves, steps, and choreography.

Baton

A routine using baton(s) and baton technique.

Baton routines will be judged on Baton technique and dance moves, steps, and
choreography.

Pom Pon

A routine incorporating the use of Pom Pons.

Pom Pon routines must use precise and definite movement.

Acrobatics are allowed. However, no stunts, tosses, or pyramids taller than one person is
allowed or a one point penalty per judge will be incurred.

The routine will be judged on both Pom Pon technique and dance steps, moves, and
choreography.

May be from a play, movie, television, Broadway, or a stereotype such as a farmer,
policeman, etc.

The character portrayed must be listed on the entry form, and it will be published in the
program book.

May incorporate either dance or acrobatic techniques.

Folkloric

A routine using ethnic style of dance, such as Spanish, Hawaiian, polkas, etc.

Acrobatic tricks are allowed in this category.

Open

Any of our listed categories or combinations of listed category styles.

Acrobatic tricks are allowed in this category.

Contemporary

Routine should utilize contemporary style to show extension, balance, can combine
lyrical, modern and concert style techniques.

Acrobatic tricks are allowed in this category.

All Male

Any group with all male dancers, regardless of type of dance, may choose to enter this
category.

Production

A routine utilizing a group of at least 10 dancers incorporating any style/styles of dance or
acrobatic.

Production category has a time limit of 8:00 minutes.

All Production Groups entered at all Finals will automatically be part of our new
“PRODUCTIONMANIA®” LIVE WEBCAST SHOW the evening before our championship
webcast.

Teacher

Persons 20 years of age or over who are teachers, assistant teachers, professional
dancers or persons who have ever been teachers, assistant teachers or professional
dancers must compete in Teachers Categories.

Teachers Solos, Duet/Trio, and Groups can compete in all types of dance listed above.

All Duet/Trios or Groups with even one Teacher competitor must enter the Teachers’
category.

Teachers Groups are not eligible to appear on the Championships Webcasts produced at
the Finals.

Regional Entry Limitations

Props

Fire, swords and knives on stage are prohibited. Simulated weapons with dull, safe
edges are acceptable with approval of Showstopper.

No liquid, paint, gel, aerosol, glitter, fog, smoke, powder, paint powder, ashes, or similar substance that would affect the
dancing surface is allowed, unless specifically approved by Showstopper. If this occurs, the routine
may be scored lower by the judges.

Props are allowed, however they must be freestanding. Scenery or backdrops requiring
the use of theater fly bars may not be used. Props, if used, must be prepared and set-up,
and removed quickly. Judges may take excessive set-up or removal time into
consideration.

Helium balloons are not permitted unless special permission is given by the venue and
Showstopper.

Safety is always our major concern. If the stage is "littered" during a routine please be
prepared to clean it up immediately after the routine is finished.

Competition Rules and Regulations

A deduction of one tenth point (.1) per judge will be made for every 15 seconds (or any portion
thereof) in excess of the allotted time limit beyond a 15% allowance for machine calibration error.

The same contestant(s) cannot compete more than once in the same dance category
and age group in Solo, Duet/Trio, or Group competition. This means that contestants
must never compete against themselves in the same age group and dance category.

Soloists are limited to two solo performances.

Routines performed at the regional shows are eligible to enter the National Finals.
Contestants can enter either Gulf Coast, West Coast, Mid America, Southern or East Coast Finals,
regardless of the regional location at which you qualified, however you can only attend
one Finals.

Stages are 40 ft wide by 30 ft deep.

Any studio that makes an enrollment/routine change after the event schedule appears
online is subject to a $5 fee for each change.

Routines are expected to perform in the order they are scheduled. If for any reason a
routine performs out of its listed order, video playback of that routine during the awards
ceremony cannot be assured.

Routines must be performed during the awards session in which they are scheduled. If
the routine cannot perform during the awards session in which they are scheduled for any
reason, we will be happy to: 1) Give a refund for the routine or 2) It can be performed for
judges comments only. The routine would not be eligible for overall awards. It will be
announced on stage at the end of the regular awards, the appropriate medal or trophy
given, and the routine will be qualified for National Finals.

Videotaping and movie cameras are prohibited.

Still photography is limited to taking photographs of your own child. No professional
photography set-ups/tripods/monopods allowed.

If dance movements, music lyrics, or costuming are deemed to be too suggestive or
otherwise inappropriate for our family audience, or if the music contains vulgar or
inappropriate lyrics, the routine will be scored lower by the judges.

Air horns or similar devices are prohibited.

Routines that are obviously under-placed into the wrong skill level may be elevated by
the judges.

Duet/Trios cannot win in Group categories.

Scores & Deductions

A panel of competent judges will judge contestants. All entrants agree that the time, manner, and method of judging the contest shall be solely within the discretion of the directors and producers of Showstopper and that all decisions of the judges are final.

If dance movements, music lyrics, or costuming are deemed to be too suggestive or otherwise inappropriate for our family audience, or if the music contains vulgar or inappropriate lyrics, the routine will be scored lower by the judges.

A 10-point deduction will be made for routines that are not completed unless due to a costume malfunction that would result in an immodest performance.

Ties will not be broken.

A one point deduction per judge will be incurred if any special microphones or sound equipment is hooked up by Showstopper for any performance.

Music Requirements

Each entry must furnish its own music marked with the contestant number on a flash drive (preferred), ipod, clean CD, or music may be up-loaded though our Teachers Express Lane on our website prior to the schedule being posted. It is recommended that you bring a second copy as a backup in the event of malfunction of original.

Regionals Competitive Level Awards

Overall recognition and medals will be given in the following five age divisions:

Mini: 8 years & under

Junior: 9-11 years

Teen: 12-14 years

Senior: 15-19 years

Adult: 20 years and over

Please note: All cash prizes and gift certificates are mailed to the Studio Director or Teacher after the competition. Also, no cash awards are given in the Performance & Advanced Level.

Top Solo

$50 plus a $50 Showstopper gift certificate will be awarded to the soloist in the Mini: 8 years & under, Junior: 9-11, Teen: 12-14, and Senior: 15-19 age divisions receiving the highest overall score.

If a contestant performs two solos, only the highest scoring one counts for the top overall awards.

The Top 2 scoring soloists from the Junior, Teen and Senior divisions in the Competitive Level at every regional event become Showstopper All Stars and are invited to perform in the opening number of our America Loves to Dance Championship on the last day of each Finals event.

If a performer was one of the top 2 scoring minis at a regional event, they are not eligible for the opening number even if they turn 9 years old before the Finals.

If a regional event has over 1,000 entries, the top 4 scoring soloists from the Junior, Teen, and Senior divisions are invited. If a regional event has over 2,000 entries, the top 6 scoring soloists from the Junior, Teen, and Senior divisions are invited, and if a regional event has over 2,500 entries, the top 10 scoring soloists from the Junior, Teen, and Senior divisions are invited.

If the same dancer qualifies to perform in the Opening Number at multiple regional events, then at each subsequent event, the next highest scoring Soloist, within the same age group, will be eligible to perform in the Opening Number.

Top Teacher Award

A special Trophy will be awarded to the top Teacher performances in Solo, Duet/Trio, and Group divisions receiving the highest overall score.

Top Adult Awards

A special Trophy will be awarded to the top Adult (ages 20 & over) performances in Solo, Duet/Trio, and Group divisions receiving the highest overall score.

Top Duet/Trio

$50 plus a $50 Showstopper gift certificate will be awarded to the Duet/Trio in the Mini: 8 years & under, Junior: 9-11, Teen: 12-14, and Senior: 15-19 age divisions receiving the highest overall score.

Top Small Group

$100 plus a $100 Showstopper gift certificate will be awarded to the small group in the Mini: 8 years & under, Junior: 9-11, Teen: 12-14, and Senior: 15-19 age divisions receiving the highest overall score.

Top Large Group

$100 plus a $100 Showstopper gift certificate will be awarded to the large group in the Mini: 8 years & under, Junior: 9-11, Teen: 12-14, and Senior: 15-19 age divisions receiving the highest overall score.

Top Super Group

$100 plus a $100 Showstopper gift certificate will be awarded to the super group in the Mini: 8 years & under, Junior: 9-11, Teen: 12-14, and Senior: 15-19 age divisions receiving the highest overall score.

Withdrawing Dancers

Showstopper Appropriate

If dance movements, music lyrics, or costuming are deemed to be too suggestive or otherwise inappropriate for our family audience, or if the music contains vulgar or inappropriate lyrics, the routine will be scored lower by the judges.

Videos Available For Purchase

Participating contestants and studios may purchase video downloads of their routines. Videos will be available online at goshowstopper.com during the performance year they are recorded. Any videos purchased during the competition season must be downloaded by December 31st of that same year.

Showstopper's Video & Photography Use

Contestants and teachers by virtue of entering a Showstopper event give their permission and consent to the directors of Showstopper to use their images, photographs or appear in videos, television, or any other electronic media for advertising, news coverage or any other commercial use of our events.

Be Safe

Participation in this competition indicates the acceptance of such risks by performers.
Therefore by virtue of entering this event, it is agreed that participants will not hold
Showstopper® Inc.; Showstopper American Dance Championships® or its officers,
directors officials, staff or employees responsible for injuries sustained or illnesses
contracted by them while in attendance and/or participating in any activity related to a
Showstopper® Competition.

Showstopper® Inc., Showstopper American Dance Championships® and the hosting
facility are not responsible for personal injury to contestants or spectators.

Showstopper is not responsible for lost or stolen property. Do not leave your property and
valuables unattended in the theater or dressing rooms.